Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon hosted their annual Cure Usher Ball in Manchester, raising thousands of pounds for research into the rare genetic disorder Usher Syndrome. The event, held at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, brought together a host of soap stars past and present for a night of fundraising and entertainment.
Star-studded support and performances
Gemma Atkinson took on hosting duties for the evening, joined by radio host Matt Haslam. Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesley gave a performance, serenading co-stars including Jodie Prenger and Sue Devaney. Guests were also treated to a set by singing star Cleopatra Higgins, with the event once again carrying a discotastic theme.
Among the attendees were Emmerdale's Roxy Shahidi, Matthew Wolfenden, Isabel Hodgins, and Ellie Leach, along with Michelle Hardwick and her wife, Corrie producer Kate Brooks. Will Ash and Portia Emare were also present, with Emare among the performers on the night.
A personal mission for the couple
Laura and Mark started the annual fundraiser to raise vital funds in the search for a cure for Usher Syndrome, a condition that leads to dual sensory loss. Both of the couple's young children, Jesse and Ronnie, were born with the condition. With scientists edging closer to a cure, the couple are determined to make a difference, and the money raised at the event will go directly to medical research.
After the event, an emotional Laura thanked everyone who had supported them, describing the effort as "10 months of blood, sweat and tears" to put the event together. Posting on Instagram, she said: "Mark and I feeling a little broken and battered after the last week/year, it’s a mammoth task but that’s how important this is to us. Like Mark always says, the usher community deserve to have people fighting for them. And that’s just what we’ll do. I can’t believe the amount of love, support and generosity we recieve year upon year."
Gratitude and impact
Laura expressed her thanks to everyone who contributed, saying: "For every ticket and table bought, every donation received - for goody bags, prizes and on the night, every person who showed up to support, people offering their services, to host and perform, to our amazing partner and sponsors - THANK YOU it means more than the world to us and it’s really hard to put that emotion into words. Everything goes towards awareness and more importantly a treatment for the Usher syndrome community."
She also spoke of her pride in the "love, support and community" in the room on the night, adding: "This is where we keep finding the magic. Thank you to every single person who agreed to help us make a difference. We’re in awe of all of you. To those so generous they are willing to give and give we are forever in debt. This was SO much more than one night."
